In a landmark move, the Government of India has made public the names of six personnel from the Indian Armed Forces who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, a military response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. The names have been added to the Roll of Honour on the National War Memorial website and will be inscribed on the granite walls of the Tyag Chakra at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. This initiative ensures that their ultimate sacrifice is permanently recognized and remembered by the nation.
The six martyrs include five soldiers from the Indian Army and one member from the Indian Air Force. Their inclusion marks the first official public acknowledgment of these heroes, although tributes and gallantry awards were given earlier to some of the individuals involved.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 civilians, the majority being tourists, including a Nepali national. The assailants, linked to Pakistan-based terror groups such as The Resistance Front (TRF), Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, conducted a horrific attack that involved segregating victims by religion before opening fire. This incident has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years.
In response, Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025. This operation involved precision strikes targeting nine terror launchpads and infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Utilizing precision-guided munitions, the Indian Armed Forces managed to neutralize over 100 terrorists. Pakistan retaliated with drone strikes and heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), which prompted further Indian military actions, including hits on radar installations. A ceasefire was ultimately agreed upon on May 10, 2025, following negotiations between the military leadership of both nations.
While Operation Sindoor achieved its objectives of dismantling terror infrastructure, it incurred casualties among Indian forces, particularly during intense cross-border skirmishes. The six fallen servicemen were confirmed by the government and have been recognized for their bravery and commitment to duty.
The identified personnel include:
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Subedar Major Pawan Kumar from the 10 Infantry Brigade, associated with the 25 Punjab Regiment. Hailing from Shahpur village in Himachal Pradesh, he was killed in Pakistani shelling in the Poonch sector. His remaining days of service were tragically cut short, and he was cremated with full state honors in his hometown.
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Rifleman Sunil Kumar, belonging to the 4th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for extraordinary valor. He sacrificed his life on May 7, 2025, while undertaking an act of bravery to protect his comrades. His award was presented to his parents during the Defence Investiture Ceremony in June 2026.
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Agniveer Murali Naik from the 851 Light Regiment, was a young soldier from Andhra Pradesh, aged just 23, who was killed during cross-border shelling. His last rites were carried out with full honors in his village.
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Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh from the 237 Field Workshop Company succumbed to grievous injuries sustained during the operation on June 6, 2025, after medical treatment. He had previously received the Sena Medal for distinguished service.
- Sergeant Surendra Kumar, a medical assistant from the Indian Air Force, was posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his critical operational support during the escalating conflict. He was killed near the International Border while aiding personnel on May 10, 2025.
The names of these brave individuals will be engraved on Wall 3D of the National War Memorial, signifying their place among the honored military campaigns of 2025. The Tyag Chakra serves as a tribute to all personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice since India’s independence, and their inclusion within this hallowed site formalizes the recognition of Operation Sindoor.
This public acknowledgment, occurring 14 months post-operation, provides both closure and official recognition to the families of the fallen and the nation at large. It highlights the profound human cost associated with decisive military actions against terrorism while celebrating the bravery and professionalism of the servicemen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting on the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, commended the Armed Forces for their extraordinary courage and commitment to safeguarding national security. The sacrifices made by Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Agniveer Murali Naik, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for future generations dedicated to defending India’s sovereignty.
